Kazimoglu, Cagin, Kiernan, Mary, Bacon, Liz and MacKinnon, Lachlan (2012) Learning programming at the computational thinking level via digital game-play. Procedia Computer Science, 9. pp. 522-531. ISSN 1877-0509 (doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2012.04.056)

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Abstract

This paper outlines an innovative game model for learning computational thinking (CT) skills through digital game-play. We have designed a game framework where students can practice and develop their skills in CT with little or no programming knowledge. We analyze how this game supports various CT concepts and how these concepts can be mapped to programming constructs to facilitate learning introductory computer programming. Moreover, we discuss the potential benefits of our approach as a support tool to foster student motivation and abilities in problem solving. As initial evaluation, we provide some analysis of feedback from a survey response group of 25 students who have played our game as a voluntary exercise. Structured empirical evaluation will follow, and the plan for that is briefly described.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	[1] Available online: 2 June 2012. [2] This paper was first presented at the International Conference on Computational Science, (ICCS 2012). [3] Procedia Computer Science, Vol. 9, contains the Proceedings of the International Conference on Computational Science (ICCS 2012). [4] Procedia Computer Science is an electronic product focusing entirely on publishing high quality conference proceedings. [5] Elseiver Open Access Article. Further details at: http://www.elsevier.com/about/open-access
Uncontrolled Keywords:	computational thinking, game based learning, serious games, introductory programming, games and learning
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Computer software
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Greenwich Research into Innovative Pedagogies (GRIP)
Related URLs:	Publisher Organisation
Last Modified:	18 Apr 2018 10:27
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/8512

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